I live near Ballard so I’m always on the hunt for the best North Seattle restaurants. North Seattle technically includes the neighborhoods parallel and north of Ballard, including Crown Hill, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Green Lake, Broadview, Northgate, Shoreline, Lake City, Pinehurst, Maple Leaf, and Wedgewood.
However, I consider North Seattle the area above the cut that runs under the Ballard and Fremont bridges. So this list also includes North Seattle restaurants in Fremont, Wallingford, Ravenna, and the U-District.
If you live in this area or are curious about what places there are to eat north of downtown Seattle, make your way through this list of the best North Seattle restaurants.
Best North Seattle Restaurants
Delancey
website | 1415 NW 70th St (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: pizza | price range per dish: $17 – $21
Delancey is my favorite Seattle restaurant. They serve the best pizza in Seattle for those times you want a wood-fired Neapolitan pie. The ambiance is simple, but buzzing with conversation when filled with diners.
What to order: I don’t even look at the menu anymore. I always get the Brooklyn pie and white pie, no toppings. This lets you really experience how phenomenal their pizza is because it’s not hiding behind any other flavors.
Copine
website | 6460 24th Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | price range: ~$120 per person pre fixe
This is a fancy restaurant perfect for a special occasion. They make exceptionally-executed dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. It’s a bit off the main drag of downtown Ballard so most people haven’t been, but it’s worth it!
What to order: The menu changes regularly. One day you may find short rib, another day you may find local fish. However, if you see an option to get their house rolls or smoked cherries, do it.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
website | 4743 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: French | price range per dish: $15 – $21
This is one of the best fish restaurants in Seattle. It’s owned by Renee Erickson, a Seattle restauranteur known for opening stunning, Instagrammable restaurants with well-executed menus (The Whale Wins is another one of her North Seattle restaurants in Fremont).
The Walbar is on the edge of Ballard’s main drag so it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. The focus is French coastal, with a lot of oysters and fish dishes. It often has a wait, but part of the experience is putting your name down and then grabbing a drink at their attached bar, Barnacle.
What to order: Oysters are a given, but don’t miss the grilled sardines and steak tartare. They serve the best steak tartare in Seattle…I have yet to find one I like better (and I’ve tried!).
Stoneburner
website | 5214 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Italian | price range per dish: $15 – $30
Stoneburner has one of the most beautiful restaurants in Seattle. The owners curated vintage finds from their travels to outfit the space, including both the ceiling and floor tiles.
Their menu is equally as beautiful. They have a great brunch and one of the most consistently good menus I’ve had among all of these North Seattle restaurants. It changes slightly to reflect what they find at the best Seattle farmers markets, but it always tastes good.
What to order: If it’s available, their carbonara pasta is one of my top recommended must-try dishes in Seattle. It’s sweet thanks to caramelized onions and deeply flavored thanks to pancetta. Plus the egg yolk is always served perfectly runny to mix into the al dente pasta.
Mr. Gyro’s
website | 5522 20th Ave NW (get directions) and 256 NE 45th St (get directions) | Ballard and Wallingford | cuisine: Mediterranean | price range per dish: $8 – $15
Mr. Gyro’s is one of my go-to restaurants in Seattle for a quick bite. They serve excellent hummus, pita, and other Mediterranean dishes at reasonable prices. This is another really consistent restaurant, as I’ve been here at least 20 times and every time the quality is the same.
What to order: The lamb and beef gyro is where it’s at. The meat is so juicy and they serve generous portions heaping out of their super soft pitas. I also enjoy their chicken shawarma if you prefer a plate instead.
Brimmer & Heeltap
website | 425 NW Market St (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Pacific Northwest | price range per dish: $11 – $32
I used to live 2 blocks away from Brimmer & Heeltap. It’s a lovely place with pretty ambiance and a gorgeous outdoor patio perfect for private dining in Seattle. They serve a changing menu highlighting the season’s bounty and they have a pretty serious bar program.
In fact, they opened up a wine shop called Halfseas Wine. It’s part wine shop where you can take bottles to go, part wine club. My brother in law is a member and every single wine he’s gotten from them has been great. They also have happy hour where you can taste and enjoy snacks. Think items perfect for charcuterie boards: nuts, tinned fish, etc.
What to order: The menu changes regularly, but if they have steak tartare on the menu get it.
Cafe Munir
website | 2408 NW 80th St (get directions) | Crown Hill | cuisine: Lebanese | price range per dish: $7 – $20
Cafe Munir is a true neighborhood gem. This North Seattle restaurant features some of the best Middle Eastern food in Seattle. Every single person I know familiar with this cuisine has said this is the real deal, and the menu of traditional mezze small plates shows it.
What to order: The bisara munir lentil dip is a revelation. Get this as one of your mezzes to start!
Un Bien
website | 7302.5 15th Ave NW (get directions) and 6226 Seaview Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Caribbean | price range per dish: $12 – $14
Paseo was the OG place to get Caribbean roast sandwiches, but when they settled in court for not paying their employees, a bunch of the staff left to start Un Bien. Now they have the best version of this addictive pork shoulder sandwich.
What to order: The traditional Caribbean roast. It’s messy, but worth it!
Tres’ House of Cheesesteaks
website | 1447 NW 65th St in Ballard (get directions) & inside The Lamplighter in Greenwood (get directions) | cuisine: Philly cheesesteaks | price range per dish: $12 – $16
I grew up eating Philly cheesesteaks but didn’t think I’d ever find a traditional one in Seattle. That changed when I tried the version from Tres, the owner of one of my favorite Black-owned Seattle restaurants. I love that he serves north Seattle, as many Black-owned restaurants are located in South Seattle neighborhoods like Central District, Colombia City, Pioneer Square.
Tres slices ribeye super thin and smothers it in an addictive cheese sauce and onions. What started as a food cart now has a permanent location within walking distance of my house and it’s dangerous because this is one of the best sandwiches in Seattle.
What to order: The Original Philly. It’s the quintessential cheesesteak you have to try, particularly if you’re not familiar with traditional cheesesteaks.
El Moose
website | 5242 Leary Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Mexican | price range per dish: $11 – $18
El Moose (previously known as Señor Moose) serves excellent authentic Mexican food and one of the best brunches in Seattle. You add your name to a list upon entering and wait sometimes up to an hour to get in. Luckily now it’s easier to get your hands on their food because they beefed up their takeout program during the pandemic.
What to order: At brunch, get their carne asada chilaquiles. For dinner, get their machaca braised beef tacos, some of the best street tacos in Seattle. For any meal, add on their guacamole and homemade chips.
Sawyer
website | 5309 22nd Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: fancy comfort food | price range per dish: $15 – $40
Sawyer is a beautiful restaurant in Ballard serving elevated takes on comfort food. For example, I had nachos with “Doritos” here once and it blew my mind. You’ll be hard pressed to not want everything on their menu.
What to order: I’m obsessed with their roast artichokes. They fall apart and are served with an addictive remoulade sauce. And even though I haven’t tried it yet, they’re known for their dilly bar chocolate ice cream bar dessert.
San Fermo
website | 5341 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Italian | price range per dish: $12 – $40
This is one of the most charming restaurants serving some of the best pasta in Seattle. They’re the same owners as one of my favorite cocktail bars down the street, Percy & Co., that is also a great option for Southern comforts like fried chicken and mac and cheese.
What to order: Their saffron spaghetti bolognese is super flavorful and one of the best bologneses in the city.
Spice Waala
website | 2008 NW 56th St (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Indian | price range per dish: ~$5-8 per dish
Spicee Waala is a casual spot focusing on Indian street food. They got started in Capitol Hill, but people couldn’t get enough of their kathi rolls so they expanded to Ballard. Despite the cheap price tag, expect some of the best Indian food in Seattle.
What to order: I love the aloo potato kathi roll and papdi chaat nachos. The latter is served room temperature and is the perfect cacophony of flavors and textures.
Staple & Fancy
website | 4379 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | Ballard | cuisine: Italian | price: ~$70 pp tasting menu in addition to a la carte
I think this is one of the best tasting menus in Seattle. You get a ton of food served family style, plus you can peek into The Walrus and the Carpenter since they’re attached and separated by a huge window.
What to order: The tasting menu! It’s a great way to try a bunch of their small plates at once.
La Cabaña
website | 606 N 105th St (get directions) | Greenwood | cuisine: Central American | price range per dish: $5 – $25
This Central American restaurant in North Seattle is one of the best cheap eats in Seattle. They are on a busy road and easy to drive by, but their food is worth the stop. Everything I’ve had here looks humble, but is extremely flavorful. It’s one of my go-tos for takeout!
What to order: My go-to order includes bean and cheese pupusas, plantains, and the mar y tierra specialty of the house. It’s served in a traditional molcajete stone when you dine in, which makes the food sizzle similar to a fajita. In it you’ll find carne asada, chicken, prawns, chorizo, nopal, queso fresco, avocado slices, and a jalapeño served with some of the most flavorful rice I’ve ever had.
Windy City Pie
website | 5918 Phinney Ave N (get directions) | Phinney Ridge | cuisine: Chicago-style pizza | price range per dish: $24 – $30
I remember when this pizzeria started as a popup in a Batch 206 distillery. It used to sell out quickly, but they’ve since expanded into a permanent restaurant in Phinney Ridge and it’s easy to get their insanely filling Chicago-style pizzas.
What to order: I love their Meatza pie with pepperoni, sausage, and candied bacon. Just be ready to take a nap afterwards, ha.
Bongos
website | 6501 Aurora Ave N (get directions) | Green Lake | cuisine: Caribbean | price range per dish: $9.50 – $15
I love the vibe at Bongos. It has a big outdoor patio with sand so it feels like a beach party. They’re serving really tasty Caribbean staples like braised pork, plantains, and jerk chicken.
What to order: They’re known for their desi pork, so get this if it’s not sold out. I also really like their shrimp plate.
RockCreek
website | 4300 Fremont Ave N (get directions) | Fremont | cuisine: seafood | price range per dish: $15 – $36
RockCreek is my second favorite of these North Seattle restaurants. It’s in a beautiful lofted space that has a fishing cabin-like vibe. That’s because it was named after Rock Creek, Montana where the chef and owner Eric Donnelly goes fishing regularly. They also have a big garage door that opens out onto a covered patio with a fire pit.
What to order: Definitely get the fish Provençal. It’s served with a nuoc cham-like sauce, crispy shallots, and a heaping pile of herbs. Finish off your meal with their s’more and key lime pie cups. They’re some of the best desserts in Seattle.
Pro tip: They also own FlintCreek Cattle Co. in Greenwood, which serves more meat-based dishes. I hear they have a great burger served on their happy hour menu. They also just opened Bar Sur Mer next door to FlintCreek that has Spanish tapas and amazing cocktails.
Kamonegi
website | 1054 N 39th St (get directions) | Fremont | cuisine: Japanese | price range per dish: $6 – $21
Kamonegi gets a lot of buzz from the food magazines of the world, including the James Beard Awards. That’s because owner Mutsuko Soma is one of the only people making fresh buckwheat soba noodles like how she had them growing up in Japan.
What to order: Definitely get soba, but don’t miss the foie gras tofu. I don’t even usually like foie gras but Soma’s ability to make it the consistency of silken tofu is a revelation.
Cafe Turko
website | 750 N 34th St (get directions) | Fremont | cuisine: Turkish | price range per dish: $12 – $27
I love Cafe Turko. Not only because they make excellent Middle Eastern food, but also because they are really gracious caterers. I had to get a last-minute meal together for a party and they came through, cheaply mind you.
What to order: I love their beyti kebab. It’s sort of like a quesadilla that you dip in this addictive spiced red sauce.
Harvest Beat
website | 1711 N 45th St (get directions) | Wallingford | cuisine: vegan Pacific Northwest | price range per dish: ~$93 – $112 for 5 course pre fixe
Yes, one of the best North Seattle restaurants is also one of the best vegan restaurants in Seattle. I remember coming here and being so impressed with how they’re able to elevate vegetables into memorable dishes where you don’t even miss the meat. Plus the experience is really special because the chef comes out before the meal to tell you a story of the farms they sourced local ingredients from for your meal.
What to order: This is a pre fixe meal, so there’s not much choice there. But definitely get the non-alcoholic beverage pairing. It’s really inventive!
Xi’an Noodles
website | 5258 University Way NE (get directions) | University District | cuisine: Chinese | price range per dish: ~$15 for noodle bowls
Xi’an Noodles is a Chinese restaurant popular among University of Washington students thanks to their consistently good, affordable noodles bowls. They’re thick and hand cut, which is my preferred type of noodle because it means the carb is just as good as the fixings.
What to order: Don’t miss the Spicy Tingly Beef Noodles without soup. The beef has a ton of flavor and the numbing sensation of the Szechuan peppercorns is pleasingly spicy without being overwhelming.
Itinerary for visiting these restaurants in North Seattle
Wondering how to fit all of these North Seattle restaurants in? I create self-guided food tours to help you experience Seattle’s best restaurants on a food crawl! Each guide is a digital download that includes a map and itinerary for visiting 8-9 restaurants over the course of a few hours. Here are my north Seattle restaurant tours:
Other Seattle Restaurants to Try
Once you make the rounds at these North Seattle restaurants, try these other restaurants around the city.
- Must-Try Edmonds Restaurants
- Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Seattle
- Best Bagels in Seattle
- Quintessential Seattle Food
- Seattle Thai Restaurants You Have to Try
- West Seattle Restaurants to Seek Out
- Seattle’s Best Street Tacos Perfect for a Crawl
- Restaurants Worth the Drive from Seattle
- Seattle Restaurants with Killer Views
